Conservationists file objection to Wolf Creek Pass land exchange

A coalition of conservation organizations filed a 96-page objection to a proposed land exchange near Wolf Creek Pass in Colorado with the U.S. Forest Service on Tuesday. The objection comes after the completion of a final environmental impact statement and the Forest Service's approval of the land swap in November. The land exchange would allow construction of a high-altitude resort known as the Village at Wolf Creek. The development was proposed in 1986. If the resort is constructed, it would consist of 1,171 units. If approved, the U.S. Forest Service would trade 205 acres of federal land for 177 acres of private land within the boundaries of the Rio Grande National Forest. The Forest Service also would pay the land owner $70,000 as a cash equalization payment...more